GUIMARAS ISLAND, Philippines, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Philippine President Macapagal-Arroyo has demanded action from Petron Corp. and government agencies to clean up from a massive oil spill.
Arroyo's call came a day after she declared the spill -- which took place off the coast of Guimaras Island -- a national calamity, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
The mess has reportedly wrought devastation on the residents of the island and may continue to do so, as the sunken tanker is said to contain more oil that might leak into the waters. The spill occurred just over two weeks ago.
Arroyo has ordered the Department of Justice to join the investigation and find out what "who is responsible" for the calamity.
"I am personally pressing our government, Petron, the ship owner and every responsible party to move quickly and decisively to clean up this eco-mess," Arroyo said in a speech during a visit to Nueva Valencia, the hardest-hit town on Guimaras Island.
Officials said they fear the tanker may sink deeper and are scrambling to locate it, the Inquirer said.
Despite the ecological damage, fish in the waters are said to be safe, with the exception of bottom-feeders and shellfish.
